Other analyzes

Safe Control performs and provides various analyzes in collaboration with subcontractors approved by us. We can, for example, help with samples taken from the soil and asphalt.

Soil analysis can for example detect concentrations of heavy metals, asbestos, oil and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).

In the construction industry, it is not only the analysis of asbestos and PCBs submitted to us. We also accept material for analysis of isothiocyanates, quartz and mold.

Arsenic (As)

Arsenic and its compounds are toxic and have mainly been used in the timber industry to impregnate wood. Arsenic is classified as hazardous, it is carcinogenic (increased risk to develop cancer of the lungs, bladder and skin). Those who are at risk are those exposed to arsenic at work and those who have a high intake through well water. One is also exposed to arsenic in the air where arsenic ore are handled or melted.

Freon

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbon), or freon, have been used as a propellant (spray), refrigerants (refrigerators and freezers), in the manufacture of printed circuit boards and also to blow up the plastic foam (insulation). Freon is now banned due to chlorofluorocarbons negative effects on the ozone layer.

Insulation materals that are broken or split emit CFCs and is classified as hazardous waste. It should be handled with care during demolition and renovation works, works in the district heating pipes and cooling systems.

Sampling
Take out a larger piece (about 100x150 mm), wrap in paper and then put it in a tight bag (we provide sample bags upon request). The reason why there should be a large piece is that it is the core which is analyzed where CFCs have not evaporated.

Chlorinated paraffins

Chlorinated paraffins (polychlorinated alkanes; PCA) is hazardous. They are divided into three groups depending on carbon chain length: Short-, medium- and long-chain. These are in turn divided into low- and highly chlorinated chains. The short and medium chain chlorinated paraffins are the most damaging since they are very toxic to aquatic organisms. Chlorinated paraffins are primarily spread via water and can cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

The use of chlorinated paraffins has decreased, such as plasticizers and flame retardants in plastics. Chlorinated paraffins are used  in sealants, paints and lubricants, and also in the raw materials for plastic and rubber. Products with chlorinated long chain type is usually fixed, the others is colorless or light yellowish viscous oil.

Creosote

Creosote is composed of many different substances and are produced mostly by dry distillation of coal. Pesticides with creosote protects the wood from, for example, termites and rot. Creosote is a carcinogenic with toxic and persistent properties. It can cause skin disorders in humans and is toxic to soil and aquatic organisms.

Wood used in older buildings which is impregnated with creosote may secrete odors. An air analysis should be done and if it show on elevated levels of creosote, you should improve the ventilation or, if possible, replace the timber.

Light metals

Some toxic and hazardous light metals are aluminum, beryllium and strontium.

Heavy metals

Heavy metals is a term used to describe the heavy and particularly environmentally hazardous metals in which the most common are lead, mercury and cadmium.

Sampling instructions

Contact us for consultation regarding sampling instructions for other analyzes.

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